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The Conscious Back to School Guide

We hate
to say it's that time of the year again, but everyone knows back to school
shopping can totally light a spark for that first day back. We love watching
little ones get so excited about that new pencil case, or spending hours
picking out their outfit for the first day back, hoping to make a statement of
who they'd like to become over another year of growth.

What
challenges us is the lack of options for conscious and sustainable fashion and
accessories when this big shopping frenzy takes place. Moms and dads forget
that last year's runners are fine, youth get caught up in the shopping
madness and the idea of getting new, shiny things, and fail to remember the
many supplies they already have are perfectly intact. If we started buying
smarter, conscious of items we can still use from the previous school year,
we'd create much less harm on our environment by not tossing our no longer
"trendy" items, and instead, buy items and fashion we know will last
longer than a school year.

So, how
do we start to make these more conscious decisions and approach back to school
shopping sustainably?

1.What
equipment do you have that you can spare?

Rummage through those pencil cases, see what items you have stuffed
up in storage or on dad's desk in the basement. Take advantage of what you
already own. You don't need a new notebook if you only used 3 pages from last
year. Simply by eliminating the amount of pens and pencils and small
essential needs that are wrapped in plastic, we can make a huge impact on the
amount of waste produced at the beginning of the school year.

2.What fads
can you live without?

At the beginning of every school year, we seem to fall into a whole
of mass media, feeling compelled to keep up with the current fashion trends,
which can often also lead to an empty wallet by the first day of school. What clothing do you
have that you can tailor or upcycle into something new that you've been eyeing
in stores? Maybe you've been hoarding clothing you no longer wear. Check out
what stores or local organizations are recycling clothing in your area, or
donate to those in need of attire. Our favorite: Host a clothing swap in your
community and get a whole new wardrobe while parting with items you haven't
worn in ages.

3.The
infamous backpack, how do we keep you from falling apart?

Especially for our college goers, heavy lifting seems to be a
pre-requisite for the year ahead. Those backpacks and side bags can hardly
handle all those books! We know what it's like to have a backpack or bag rip at least once a
year, that's why we are committed to showcasing durable and stylish bags that
are guaranteed to outlast the school year. For bags, it's really quality over
price. The cheaper you go, the worse the conditions are for those creating
them, and the more likely they're going to rip from right behind you. Our suggestion:
it's time to invest in a bag that's going to last as long as you are over the
next four to five year.

Here's
our faves for the upcoming school year. Each item is sustainably made with a
conscious element that positively effects humans, animals and mother earth.
Check it out below!

Who said
playsuits were just for adults? Move over pajama onesie, we've got the hottest
playsuit around for playtime! Designed with cute animal prints and made to
easily dress, this organic cotton jersey material is soft and gentle on
delicate skin. Perfect for getting rough on the playground!

How do
you make a statement your first day? Just one word, "planet", can start up
hundreds of conversations, especially when your shirt is made from 100%
recycled product, including plastic bottles recovered from the ocean.

Versatile
shirts that can be played up, played down and be a dress on their own - how can
you go wrong?! Plus, this baby is made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
That means a 100% guarantee that the cotton used is
without toxic pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically
modified seeds. Pure at its core!

Our
favorite fall blouse just happens to also be made from 100% certified organic
cotton! Style with dress pants for a day on campus, or half tuck into a pair of high waisted
jeans for an afternoon in the city.

We love
our Leunda Pants. They create beautiful lines and give the illusion of a skirt
while remaining as comfortable as a trouser. These babes are made from 60%
recycled polyester and will become your favorite go-to for any professional or
casual setting.

This
durable tote is perfect for those who carry around their life in their bag.
Its roomy design, accompanied by a top-zip removable wristlet is ideal for
running around campus with everything you need by your side. Plus, this vegan
leather baby is animal friendly, made from low grade Polyurethane.

This MASHALLAH
pieces used gemstones woven together with 100% handmade recycled semi-precious
metal sourced from landfills by the careful hands of villagers in Ghana. This
eco-friendly, socially conscious, and altruistic process negates electronic
waste and is conducive to the manifestation of exquisite, singular, and
aesthetically captivating handcrafted necklaces. Empower with this statement necklace, perfectly paired with collared
shirts and long sleeve tops.